About

How did it all get started?

L. M. Ruttkay found her niche as an independent artist in the action sports industry. Since 1983, she has worked with Quiksilver, Ripcurl, Alien Workshop, G&S and many more surf and skate brands. The book, "RV the Racer Aardvark,” mirrors this culture with its parodies of extreme sports, imaginary inventions, and characters with extraordinary abilities.

RV was inspired by the paper mache and classic 1993 Alien Workshop (AWS) skateboard deck. RV the Racer Aardvark (RV, yes that’s the same as “Recreational Vehicle”) became a storybook, and now we are producing a 2D animated feature length film.

What’s the story?

In an eccentric world of bizarre creatures, enormous fossilized dinosaurs, and clothing with a mind of its own, there lives a footless racing aardvark with a wheel attached to his legs.

RV is born without feet. His father loves him so he builds a wheel for RV to use in place of having feet. But RV has difficult time as he attempts to learn to use his wheel.

And then, just like it happens for every kid, RV becomes inspired by role models. The athletes that use wheels in their sports -- skateboarders, race cars, any sport with wheels, motivates him. He thinks to himself, “I can do that.” Against all odds, RV's perseverance pays off and he becomes a successful athlete--a unicycle racer.

Yet beyond appearances or accolades, RV’s weakness is still very real.

And so the story begins.

The ”RV” film is an entertaining story for audiences of all ages. You will enjoy watching it with your friends or with your kids, it’s just one of those feel good movies that shows you how anyone can overcome obstacles and still have a lot of fun on the way. RV the Racer Aardvark is a solid and entertaining movie that will spark anyone’s imagination.

What do we want to do?

Our 2D animation is being created for streaming digital venues so that we have the opportunity for more people to fall in love with RV. We have several creative experimental elements in store. Try to think music, action sports, humor and soulfood. Then expect to be surprised.

What we have already in store:Voiceover: We don’t want to give too much away, but Toy Engine is bringing together some of the finest extreme sports athletes and music artists to do the voiceovers of our main characters.

Music: The RV the Racer Aardvark film hosts a superfluity of unusual talent when it comes to music soundtrack:. And get ready for a treat because we are bringing onboard Pawnshop Kings, Molly Jenson, and Dominic Balli to record and produce a song together just for this film. So far everyone has said, “Sign me up” for when you get funded.

Humor: The RV story has humor written for the spectrum of an all ages audience. In any film or book if you laugh out loud even once it makes your day. In RV’s story there are several moments like that where you will laugh out loud. The story has the kind of humor where you are in an imaginary world and you still “get the joke,” or maybe you don’t and someone else does. So your imagination and wit are being engaged simultaneously.

Soulfood: Amidst the humor and eccentricity of the film, the jewel in the crown in RV’s story is its message of spiritual victory in the light of one’s own personal character. RV’s story offers a glimpse at the mystery and perhaps even a bit of an awakening to the inner strength and honor that come with choosing not to return evil with evil, but instead choosing to overcome evil with good.

Why do we need your help?

We really need your help to get this amazing project going. We need your support to complete our important steps of screenplay, character turn-arounds, and storyboard beatboards.

Let us give you a better idea of what that looks like:

Screenplay : We have an acclaimed animation screenwriter and friend on our team who has asked to remain anonymous until we begin writing. He has an open window for us to begin in November! A great screenplay is the first step in the development of a great film project. It is the foundation on which everything else rests.
Our screenwriter has worked on some of the most popular major-release animated feature films in Hollywood. We’re very excited to produce our indie film, but we have to add that our animation screenwriter’s contribution does put RV”s film project in a position to get green lit by any studio.

Character Turnarounds : In animation, once a cartoon character design is approved, the next step is to create “turnaround” drawings. The purpose is to make sure the storyboard artists and animators can re-create the characters accurately.

Main Character Designs for “RV the Racer Aardvark” indie film:

Turnarounds are a tedious but essential part of any character designer’s job. For major characters, there are generally four to five drawings that need to be done: Front View, 3/4 Front View, Side View, 3/4 Back View, and/or Back View. For minor characters, usually only a Front 3/4 View and a Back 3/4 View are needed.

Storyboards: Storyboards are the sequence of drawings, showing scene-to-scene details, camera angles, directions and dialogue for the purpose of pre-visualizing the shots planned for a movie or television production.

Beatboards: Beatboards are sketches for the storyboard artist to help them with gags, posing, direction of elements and in some cases art direction.

When developing the Smokescreen animation short, the artist sketched a very rough beatboard first and then took the liberty to animate it into an “animatik” with the “Trashcan” soundtrack by Delta Spirit.

Take a look at the initial animatik by clicking on the video below and then look at the clip of the finished scene in the "Smokescreen Preview."

Below is the Smokescreen Preview:

Below is a sample of a storyboard page using Toonboom.

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REWARDS!!

We have designed some incredible rewards that will help us get this project on the road and together we can make this a reality.

RV RACING DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: Get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and three of the amazing animated film shorts by Eccentric Racing Network only available on Kickstarter. Featuring music by Greyboy, Shawn Lee and Delta Spirit with classic footage of Rob Dyrdek at 15, Willy Santos, Neil Blender, Kyle Leeper, Joe Gibbs Racing and more. These film shorts complement lessons on math, physical science, rocketry, and character so your kids can learn while having fun. And to add a little more it also comes with education guides with kits for kids to make rockets, animated flipbooks, fingerboard ramps, and more. You can listen to the samples and watch the previews below:

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RV Insider: Exclusive access to the process of making the storyboard beatboards with video updates for Kickstarter backers only. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book.”

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Show off you support with a Slim fit T-shirt by Coastal Classics “Honorary Production Crew” – black specify size_mens sizing S-XL. You will also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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NEW REWARD!! (by Request)
- Show off you support with your choice of “Vintage-look RV the Racer Aardvark” T-shirt by Coastal Classics - Choose either Mens Slim fit in white specify size_mens sizing S-XL or Juniors Sheer in Cancun_juniors sizes S-XL or Youth tee in white sizes S-XL. You will also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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NEW REWARD!! (by Request)
- Show off your support with your choice of the "Original Aardvark Photo" Discharge Softhand T-shirt by Coastal Classics - Choose either
Mens Slim fit in black specify size_mens sizing S-XL or Youth tee in black sizes S-XL. You will
also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book and access to all the
exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Keep warm while showing your amazing support with our exclusive Two-tone full zip hoody by Coastal Classics “Honorary Production Crew” - turquoise - specify juniors or mens and size. Sizes S-XL. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Art Fan: Your choice of Limited Edition hand-signed custom fine art print from vintage art collection with personalized signature by Alien Workshop's Mike Hill or Author/Illustrator Lynne Ruttkay. This item comes unframed on12.75 x 16” on archival quality paper and is exclusive to this campaign Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Print 1 : Photo of Original aardvark set up for 1993 deck - artist Mike Hill

Print 2 : RV Drawing used for Book Cover Art - artist L.M. Ruttkay

Print 3 : Polaroid of 1993 Aardvark Deck Setup - artist Mike Hill

Print 4 : 1993 and 1994 AWS aardvark deck series - artist Mike Hill

Print 5 : RV Toulouse-Lautrec Parody - artist L.M. Ruttkay

Print 6 : RV Duchamp Parody - artist L.M. Ruttkay

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Skateboard Collector 1993: Limited Edition Replica of Original 1993 Alien Workshop (AWS) Aardvark skateboard deck by artist Mike Hill. This deck is a replica of the sublimation deck with photographic image of the paper mache sculpture only available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Replica 1993 Alien Workshop Aardvark Sublimation Deck

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Skateboard Collector 1994: Limited Edition Replica of Original 1994 Alien Workshop (AWS) Aardvark skateboard deck by artist Mike Hill.This deck is a replica of the screenprinted deck which was the second deck produced in the aardvark series only available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Replica 1994 Alien Workshop Aardvark Screenprinted Deck

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Storyboard Art: Limited Edition framed print of storyboard artwork with personalized signature by screenwriter and artist exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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One of a kind Item for the serious skateboard art collector : Original black and white polaroid from 1993 set up of aardvark paper mache sculpture used for skate deck; with personalized signature by artist Mike Hill. Includes Limited Edition Replica of 1993 deck. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Become an RV character: YOU or your child recreated as a character in the RV the Racer Aardvark storyboard, with personalized signature by screenwriter and artist. This item comes unframed and is exclusive to this campaign. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Limited Edition Handcrafted “RV the Racer Aardvark” Disneyland Quality Mask with certificate signed by author/artist Lynne Ruttkay exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Limited Edition Replica of Original AWS Aardvark Paper Mache Sculpture with certificate signed by artist Mike Hill exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Photo taken at Vans Syndicate Mike HIll Retrospective Art Show

Photo taken at Vans Syndicate Mike HIll Retrospective Art Show

Photo taken at Vans Syndicate Mike HIll Retrospective Art Show

Photo taken at Vans Syndicate Mike HIll Retrospective Art Show

Photo taken at Vans Syndicate Mike HIll Retrospective Art Show

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The Whole SHEBANG! Slim fit "Honorary Production Crew" T-shirt and two-tone hoody by Coastal Classics, choice of 1993 or 1994 AWS aardvark replica skateboard deck, and YOU or your child recreated as a character in the RV the Racer Aardvark storyboard. And to add a little more it also comes with the #1 in the Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Series of both the Disneyland Quality Mask and the Replica of the AWS Aardvark Paper Mache Sculpture.Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

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Creative Team

Director: Lynne Ruttkay, author of the “RV the Racer Aardvark” book, is directing our animated film. Lynne has been working with the RV the Racer Aardvark character since 2007. She has written, directed, edited, and produced four “RV” animated film shorts for Eccentric Racing Network directing a global team of artists and animators. She designed and managed the Eccentric Racing Network website, a character education-based interactive world for kids until 2012. Lynne is currently founder and creative director of Toy Engine. She designed and is the developer of the RV Deck Creator soon to be released as a free app.

Producer: The producer on our film project is Sue Doc Ross. Sue’s background with animation began with her time at Hanna-Barbera. Since then she has gone on to become an independent producer responsible for producing a variety of film and video projects. She is president of Lifetogether Publishing and has produced hundreds of video projects for Christian authors and publishers including Baker Books, Focus on the Family, and Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven.”

Screenwriter: During his career, our screenwriter has worked in the story department as a screenwriter and storyboard artist on a dozen major-release animated features. He has worked on projects for nearly all of the major Hollywood animation studios.

Animation Studio:Rick and Cory Morrison will be handling the animation process at their studio Big Jump Productions in Canada. Big Jump has produced several very popular animation projects, including Nickelodean’s Wild Grinders.

Rick Morrison is president of Big Jump. With 26 years experience in animation production, Rick has been nominated for a Golden Eagle Award, a Cable Ace Award, and a Gemini. As a co-founder of Funbag Animation Studios in Ottawa, he directed, produced and executive produced over 200 half hours of proprietary content currently airing worldwide.

Cory Morrison is head of development at Big Jump. Cory is currently overseeing several projects ranging from preschool to prime time, working closely with a roster of incredible artists, writers and designers from all over Canada. His strong initiative and self-direction compliments his respect for maintaining schedule and budget, while achieving the highest level of quality.

Risks and challenges

The challenges of creating our animated film will be the many hours it takes to complete it as well as the additional fundraising after the screenplay and storyboards are completed.

However, we have already overcome many obstacles thus far in developing “RV the Racer Aardvark,” from writing and publishing the book, producing 4 animated film shorts, and creating interactive digital media for web and mobile.

We have another challenge on our project, but one that comes with a wonderful benefit. Although, our acclaimed animation screenwriter and friend on our team has asked to remain anonymous until we begin writing, that said, a successful Kickstarter Campaign will allow us to “let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag” and will greatly open up opportunities with executive producers and sponsors to complete the film.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $5 or more
About $5

NEW REWARD!! RV Production Round-Table: Become a part of the process of making RV’s animated film! Get exclusive membership behind the scenes in a round-table forum with screen-writer, production, director and art department. You will get first look at character development, art and animation dailies. Your participation and feedback will help shape the final film. Come join us on this great animated adventure!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

RV RACING DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: Get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and three of the amazing animated film shorts by Eccentric Racing Network only available on Kickstarter. Featuring classic footage of Rob Dyrdek at 15, Willy Santos, Neil Blender, Kyle Leeper, Joe Gibbs Racing and more. Comes jam packed! Includes education guides with kits for kids to make rockets, flipbooks, fingerboard ramps, and more. See full details in the rewards section.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Show off your support with a Slim fit T-shirt by Coastal Classics.“Honorary Production Crew” color-black, specify size_mens sizing S-XL. You will also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $60 or more
About $60

NEW REWARD!! (by Request) $60 - Show off you support with your choice of “Vintage-look RV the Racer Aardvark” T-shirt by Coastal Classics - Choose either Mens Slim fit in white specify size_mens sizing S-XL or Juniors Sheer in Cancun_juniors sizes S-XL. You will also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

NEW REWARD!! (by Request) - Show off your support with your choice of the "Original Aardvark Photo" Discharge Softhand T-shirt by Coastal Classics - Choose either Mens Slim fit in black specify size_mens sizing S-XL or Youth tee in black sizes S-XL. You will also get the “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Keep warm while showing your amazing support with our exclusive Two-tone full zip hoody by Coastal Classics. “Honorary Production Crew” color-turquoise - specify juniors or mens and size. Sizes S-XL. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Skateboard Collector 1993 : Limited Edition Replica of Original 1993 Alien Workshop (AWS) Aardvark skateboard deck by artist Mike Hill. This deck is a replica of the sublimation deck with photographic image of the paper mache sculpture only available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Skateboard Collector 1994: Limited Edition Replica of Original 1994 Alien Workshop (AWS) Aardvark skateboard deck by artist Mike Hill. This deck is a replica of the screenprinted deck which was the second deck produced in the aardvark series only available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book" and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Storyboard Art fanatic: Limited Edition framed print of storyboard artwork with personalized signature by screenwriter and artist exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

One of a kind Item for the serious skate art collector : Original black and white polaroid from 1993 set up of aardvark paper mache sculpture used for skate deck; with personalized signature by artist Mike Hill. Includes Limited Edition Replica of 1993 deck. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

Become an RV character: YOU or your child recreated as a character in the RV the Racer Aardvark storyboard, with personalized signature by screenwriter and artist. This item comes unframed and is exclusive to this campaign. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

Limited Edition Signed and Numbered Handcrafted “RV the Racer Aardvark” Disneyland Quality Mask with certificate signed by author/artist Lynne Ruttkay exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Limited Edition Signed and Numbered Replica of Original Alien Workshop (AWS) Aardvark Paper Mache Sculpture with certificate signed by artist Mike Hill exclusively available on Kickstarter. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

The Whole SHEBANG! Slim fit "Honorary Production Crew" T-shirt and two-tone hoody by Coastal Classics, choice of 1993 or 1994 AWS aardvark replica skateboard deck, and YOU or your child recreated as a character in the RV the Racer Aardvark storyboard. And to add a little more it also comes with the #1 in the Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Series of both the Disneyland Quality Mask and the Replica of AWS Aardvark paper Mache Sculpture. Also includes “RV the Racer Aardvark Audio book” and access to all the exclusive cool updates of an RV Insider.